On politics in the Golden State

Berman releases tax returns

May 4, 2012 | 4:00
pm

Rep. Howard Berman released copies of his federal income tax returns Friday and accompanied them with a subtle swipe at his main competitor for a San Fernando Valley congressional seat, fellow Democratic Rep. Brad Sherman.

"I have always stood for accountability and transparency in government," Berman said in a statement. "Today I am releasing my full returns and look forward to getting back to the important issues in this campaign."

Sherman released his tax returns April 17 and repeatedly challenged Berman to do the same. Until this year, neither of the veteran congressmen had made their tax returns public.

They began waging a bruising, nationally watched reelection battle last year after new political maps put their homes in the same district.

Berman and his wife, Janis, reported earnings last year of $264,119, including his $148,589 congressional salary. The rest came from investments, including some real estate. The Bermans paid $38,000 in federal income taxes.